Jess is drawn to senior living because she believes a community should be more than a place to live—it should be a place where people feel connected, valued, and truly understood. She finds real joy in spending time with older adults, whose stories, perspectives, and resilience offer a kind of wisdom you can’t find anywhere else. Her connection to this work is deeply personal. Jess was very close to both of her grandfathers—WWII veterans who lived very different lives, one as a civil engineer and the other as a chicken rancher—but who shared the same belief in joy, curiosity, and resilience. Their influence continues to guide her today and inspires her to create moments that matter for residents, whether through conversation, support, or simply being present.

As Executive Director at Modena Cary by Solera Senior Living, Jess leads the community’s overall operations with a focus on making sure residents, families, and team members feel supported and at home. She loves getting to know the people who make up the community, building strong relationships, and helping her team grow and thrive. For Jess, the most rewarding part of her role is knowing that the work she does each day has a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of others.

Creativity is the Solera core value that resonates most deeply with Jess. She believes that some of the best ideas come from curiosity, playfulness, and a willingness to explore. One of her favorite quotes—“Creativity is intelligence having fun”—captures the spirit she brings to her leadership. Jess creates space for new ideas, encourages her team to try things in fresh ways, and fosters an environment where it’s safe to experiment and learn. In a community like Modena Cary, creativity helps her move beyond routine and create personalized, memorable experiences for residents and staff alike.

Jess has spent four years in senior living as an Executive Director and brings nearly twenty years of experience in big‑box retail, operations, team development, and customer experience. Her background includes leading flagship store operations, supporting district‑level initiatives, piloting new management models, and partnering with vendors to drive strong financial performance. She also spent time with Starbucks helping redefine 24/7 operations, strengthening her ability to lead in fast‑paced, high‑demand environments. Early in her career, she worked in food service—an experience that shaped her belief in treating every person with respect and appreciation, a value that continues to guide her leadership today.

Outside of work, Jess loves staying active and spending time with her family. She has run three half marathons and two full marathons, and she grew up dancing ballet for 15 years—earning her pointe shoes remains one of her proudest accomplishments. She enjoys yoga, Pilates, and barre, and she’s happiest in the sunshine, especially near the ocean. Jess also loves music and believes in its power to bring people together and heal. On the creative side, she takes on DIY projects, from restoring furniture to experimenting with wallpaper and home design. Her favorite moments are spent with her two children and her sheepadoodle, Bear—relaxing in the sun with her daughter or staying active with her son, cheering him on at his games. Her perfect vacation is a beach getaway filled with warm sand, sunshine, paddleboarding, light hiking, and plenty of laughter with friends and family.